The Value of Loyalty

6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsakeyou.” 
Deuteronomy 31






This holiday season has offered a little more time for philosophical reflection. One idea seems to resound over others. It is the purpose for this literary prose. LOYALTY.

Loyalty is an innate behavior. We all have it. Some more than others. Where loyalty lies is precarious. Loyalty in the correct context is one of the most desirable traits.

A loyal significant other will not even open those DM's. They will shut down the unwanted innuendos from others. When the relationship is marred the loyal partner doesn't go looking for another on social media.

A loyal employee comes to work everyday and busts tail. They defend their company and their coworkers. They aren't looking for other jobs because they are too busy working.

A loyal soldier always puts the mission first. They take an oath to defend against enemies foreign and domestic. Soldiers never leave a fallen brother behind.

The most perfect example of loyalty is in our Heavenly Father. No matter how many times you fail, He has promised to never leave or forsake you. Your debt is paid in full, if you choose to be loyal to Him.

So, what is the value of loyalty? Priceless.
Where does your loyalty lie?

posted from Bloggeroid

I'm that guy.

Think you know me? You don't. Here's an inside look.

Transparency is often bad publicity. We've seen it on reality shows and with the last 2 presidents. All too often someone that's famous will catch the spotlight and fall way short of our expectations. The politician in scandal, the suicidal musician, the pro player that's consumed in sexual deviance.

Most say transparency reveals weakness. Others say it's a testimony to ones like you. I prefer the later.

The following is rare look inside the mind and life of Scott Northcutt only because I'm inspired to write this evening. I come to you from the park, in Dexter, alone as seems the norm lately. The park because I love to be outside and signal blows at my house.

A solid Christian of 16 years. I cuss in proper company. "I kinda give a damn. I kinda don't care" I'm that guy. From a small town. Majored in psychology minored in English. Graduated an Auto Diesel mechanic because i wasnt designed for an office. You'll see me stop on the side of the highway to help stranded motorists. But, I'll never tell anyone because "the left hand shouldn't know wha the right is doing." I'm that guy.

I read everything i can get my hands on. Retain most of it. Qualified and was asked to join MENSA. I declined. Can fix anything. Yes anything. Don't like to fight but you don't want to fight me. I'm that guy.

Been in 3 relationships totaling 23 years. Looking for that forever one. Believe most all couples are compatible as long as they work at it. I painted her toes, braided her hair, drew her a bath and put her through college. I'm that guy. I was the spiritual leader and the funny guy. Cooked most every meal. Snuggled like a kitten and was a lover like no other. Helped pick out her clothes because my style was better and she asked. Didn't complain to see Nicholas Sparks movie when Jason Bourne was playing. I'm that guy. Never lied because I just don't. The truth may sting but that's what you'll get from me. Never looked for love in a relationship because it was already with me. I'm that guy.

Deeper than the ocean. Yet can intelligently discuss anything. They want to talk about sports or fishing. I want to talk about purpose and the your soul. I prefer conversations to not be shallow. Old school wisdom and common sense are dangerous combinations. I'm that guy.

Drive an old truck and an old car because I will not be a slave to debt. Money comes and goes. I'll make more. If I have $50 in my pocket you better believe it's yours too. I'm that guy. Quit a high pay job out of principle. Will not work for someone who doesn't appreciate me again. I'm an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. Always have ideas and inventions. I'm a writer. A poet. A songwriter. An artist. I can build anything you see on Pinterest and more. I'm that guy.

I love to see people in love. It brings me pure joy. Because without love what else is there? I want to be in love. I believe busyness is a sin and an epidemic of modern society. People don't take time to celebrate enough. I know every neighbor near me. I'm there for you. I'm that guy.

Been arrested more than once. Won't apologize for it. Tatted. Gentle as a puppy. Fierce as a lion. I'm good at most everything because God made me in his image. I'm that guy. Conceded and confident yet my ego is fragile. Been called a saint. A hypocrite. Bald. Short. Ugly. Only one of those things hurt my feelings. You can count on me. I'm that guy.

Caught a 50 lb snapping turtle with my bare hands in the river just to say I did. Probably wasn't smart but I have photo evidence. Went kayaking in the ocean at the sharks house. Mountain bike frequently. Totaled my street bike when I hit a van and walked away. Never had surgery. Never get sick. Never go to the dr. Don't trust them. I'm that guy. I fell through the ice on a frozen pond alone as a child and broke the ice to the edge the walked home.

I hate being alone. Yet I always seem to be. It sinks me into depression. The depression is situational. It comes and goes. Cripples when it's here. I hide it. I believe in demons and have had encounters with a few. They want me. They can't have me because I am filled with the spirit of Jesus. Doesn't stop them. My spiritual awareness is high. I'm that guy. I can read body language and am a good judge of character but I can't read minds. If you want me to know something say it. I'm quiet in a room full of people. Yet very comfortable in the company of 2 or 3. I'm that guy.

I'm my own worst enemy. I long for companionship. A family. A tribe. I feel uncomfortable in my own skin when my purpose gets blurry. I'm that guy. I can find humor in most anything and will let you know. If you want to road trip to California I can pack a bag in 6 minutes. I'll be in the car waiting working on the playlist. I'm metal af. Can quote Asking Alexandria or Alan Jackson. Wear "snakeskin boots and a baseball cap." I'm that guy.

You can call me but you won't. I will come fix your problem at midnight. I'm that guy. Been to more than one foreign country to spread the love of Jesus to people I don't know and won't ever see again. Why wouldn't I drive over and help you? I'm that guy.

I have integrity. Morals. Values. Honesty. I'm that guy. Who are you?

posted from Bloggeroid

A bad place

As the damp mist afternoon subsides the onset of darkness prevails. The thick clouds enter my mind to cover all that is good. Such a familiar melancholy set in. The clouds are a familiar intruder. They visit often. How I long for the sun. Where is the one? God I faintly feel you. Your presence is the only thing that convinces my life to continue. Yet I know she is out there. The Eve to my Adam. She is longing. Thirsty for my infinite agape. The love exists deep within me yet is hidden by sorrow. Deep scars remain from past lovers selfishness. My benevolence misappropriated and neglected. Fill me once again with joy. I lie awake. In a house large enough for 10. Only one resides. I alone. Bruised, rejected, and broken. Medicated. The pills don't appease. The only cure is the most basic of human interaction. Yet the cure is inhibited by the clouds within. Interaction is impossible with the depression. My own demeanor will be ridiculed by those who don't comprehend the darkness. Alas, the cycle continues. The cravings of social inclusion subsides. I make another attempt. The drug of choice is the social network intravenously. It's ineffective because of its synthetic nature. Artificial socialization is merely time consuming euthanasia. Where is the cure? Have you not labored for the answers? My mind contains the combination to the lock on my heart but still the darkness remains. This anguished diary will fall on deaf ears to all who are consumed for business is a tool of the devil. For satan has me by the jugular. I'm in a bad place. Release me.

posted from Bloggeroid

Stuck on the roof

Recently, I  adopted a dog. She's a lab/dane mix and has proven to be a loyal companion. The only problem with her is that she has separation anxiety. If I am out of her reach or sight she whimpers and whines.
A few days ago I used a ladder to climb on the roof.  I was clearing some dead limbs and leaves off the carport. While on the roof, my dog circled the house desperately. Whimpering, trying to get to me. In her panic, she tried to climb the ladder and knocked it over. Here I am stuck on the roof!

I picked out the lowest spot on the roof and jumped
down about 8ft to the ground.

As I reflect on the events I can't help but think about my relationship with God. When I'm separated from God because of my sin I panic. I run around desperately whimpering and whining causing more problems than there was.

The bible says:  Matthew 7-7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye.shall find; knock, and it shall be opened untoyou: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh. findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Stay close to the Master and don't lose focus.

posted from Bloggeroid

save me from myself

John 15:13King James Version (KJV)

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.


The farther I continue on in this life the more I realize that my own worst enemy is myself.  The struggle is real.  The bible speaks of the enemy as satan, and he is.  Don't misunderstand that.  However, within is where my enemy (not satan) resides.  Its the transgressions, the indecision, the remorse, the bitterness.  It doesnt go away.  It gets better the more I surround myself with Christ.  But, in those dark times the pain is there.  Those are the times when I cry out for God and I cant feel him.  In these moments the most we need others there to support us.  My new favorite song atm was recently released that I feel I could have wrote.  Most of you won't know it because you're not a metal head like me.  Its called "Drown" by Bring Me The Horizon.  the lyrics go like this:

Got a hole in my soul growing deeper and deeper
And I can't take
One more moment of this silence
The loneliness is haunting me
And the weight of the world's getting harder to hold up

It comes in waves, I close my eyes
Hold my breath and let it bury me
I'm not OK and it's not all right
Won't you drag the lake and bring me home again

Who will fix me now?
Dive in when I'm down?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown
Who will make me fight?
Drag me out alive?
Save me from myself
Don't let me drown

Yeah, this is a dark post.  I'm sure I lost most of you.  Remember we are called to be the light of the world. But, dont ever forget the world is filled with darkness and your friends need you to help save them from drowning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1C117y9AqjA

Read more: Bring Me The Horizon - Drown Lyrics | MetroLyrics

the two most important days of your life

Proverbs 16:9English Standard Version (ESV)

9 The heart of man plans his way,

    but the Lord establishes his steps.

Have you ever been asked the question, "why am I here?"  Or maybe,"what is my purpose?"  I often think back to a time in my life when I felt like I had no meaning.  I felt as if I had no sense of value.  No purpose.  It was as if I only existed to eat, sleep, and breathe.  Others around me were absorbed in just day to day living.  Their jobs drug them down.  Their family was unappreciative of all the hard work it took to care for them.  Their toxic friends sucked the life out of them.  It was as if there was no hope and no end in sight for me and them.

Then something happened...I found Christ.  Things weren't all peaches and cream at that time tough.  But, for the first time in my life I learned that I was created.  I was a child of God and my life had meaning.  It wasn't until quite some time that I realized that God had a purpose for me.  He had a plan.  God chose me to do several specific tasks for Him.  And then it all made sense.  My sense of worth went through the roof.  I began to hold my head high.  I fervently prayed for God to direct me to more and more people to enter my life.  God provided.  

Mark Twain once said,   “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.”  I can tell you friends, there is nothing better than finding out why.  Have you found out why you are here?  If you haven't, start with Christ.  You're purpose will follow.

 

encouraging

1 Thessalonians 5:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Why is this command so easy yet, so hard?  Throughout my life this has been a struggle for me.  Both giving and receiving encouragement.  We walk each day putting out fires here and there.  We fret over all our problems, fears, and regrets.  We get so much accomplished but we dont have enough time to stop and lift someone up that has fallen.  

I can tell you friends, it hurts to fall.  Sometimes it hurts worse to get back up.  Wouldnt it be so much easier to get up if someone leaned down and whispered, "I want you to get up?"  How much easier would it be to get up if someone held out their hand and said, "take my hand and pull yourself up?" Now on the next level.  What if three people picked you up while two others cheered you on!?

Thats what its like my friends when you encourage one another.  Whether you are the whisperer, the speaker, the helping hand, the picker uppers, or the shouters.  Every little bit helps.  

that deep dark secret that you've been carrying around

…16Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.18Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,… 2 Corinthians 5:16-18




You know that one thing you've been hiding? That deep, dark, secret. We all have them. The thing that you don't want to tell your new friends about your past life. The thing that's so bad it may be a deal breaker for a new relationship. We all have that thing. Some things are worse than others. Some things are really big and bad. Other things are mole hills that we made mountains out of. Whatever the thing, big or small, Christ has promised that "the old things passed away." Your sins have been forgiven. That very thing that you have been hiding, Jesus will forgive you if you only ask. Upon forgiveness, that thing, that was so bad, may be your greatest testimony. Someone needs to hear that thing, because they are going through that thing right now. I'm not saying shout it through the roof tops. I'm saying, in intimate conversation with people in need, tell that thing. Then, with Jesus, "new things have come." And that's, a testimony that will change lives...

things i've learned from being alone

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8




I've been alone for a while now... there are several things that I have learned, remembered, and realized. Here are a few: 

I'm funny! I love to laugh and joke around to have a good time, especially with the kids.  People are too serious all of the time. 

TV sucks. Theres nothing on worth watching. It;s such a time waster. 

Cooking for one is terrible. Have you ever read a recipe that says "serves one?" Yeah, right! 

I just wanna live my life to the fullest. I want to go and see and do and meet. I want to climb a mountain then ride my bike down it with a GoPro on my head. 

Sunday nights suck. Bad. It must be from the spiritual high you get in the morning, then the anticipation of preparing for the week in the evening. I hate Sunday nights. 

I love to write. If I could type faster I would definitely write short stories! (Novels bore me!) 

You're never alone. Christ is with you always. There are still people out there that God uses to intervene in your life. Yes, some actually do what God tells them to! Most, however, are too busy to care.




The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."




On the completely opposite hand, i took too many things for granted when I wasn't alone. Here's a few: 

My team. When you have someone you are a member of a team. Team mates encourge each other and pick each other up after a fierce tackle. Then, the team huddles and moves forward again. There's no one to help you up when you are alone. 

Getting that text or phone call every once in awhile just to say I'm thinking of you. Or even something as menial as "leaving work" or "leaving the store." Those little texts that imply "I'm on my way to you." Household duties, errands, shopping, ect... are not split. When its only you, it's all you. Which is very tiresome. 

The bed is cold and theres not enough pillows in the world to take up the space. 

Sharing good news. Who you gonna share it with? Stop somebody in the grocery store and tell them you got a bonus. You'll most likely get punched in the face. 

The scent of the one you were with. There is no scent more powerful than that of a signifigant other. 

A hug. A real hug. Not some half second I'm scared of germs crap. A real embrace that lasts more than a few seconds that says I feel your heart beat. Because that's as close as 2 heartbeats can physically get. Really though, what I miss the most is hearing those 3 words "I love you." Not the 3 words you taught your child to say, not what comes from your mom or family. The "I love you" that you hear from the "one." The one that wants to be with you. The one that trusts you with their heart and you trust them back.

So, to all of you out there that havent heard it in a while or heard it and took it for granted. This is from me to you. I love you...

love God love people part 2

One of the scribes approached.  When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked Him, "Which command is the most important of all?"  This is the most important,"  Jesus answered:  Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  "The second is:  Love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other command greater than these."  Mark 12:28-31

Friends, I read a quote recently by Phil Robertson talking about problems with our society.  In a nutshell he stated that it is a common misconception in current times that if you disagree with someone, you hate them.  I've thought long and hard about that.  Do I hate those that I disagree with?  When I disagree with them do I push them out of my life so far that I dont have to deal with them?

You see friends, brother Phil is wise beyond his years.  In my recent circumstances, some have been pushed out because I dont agree with them.  Several have pushed me out because they dont agree with me.  I dont hate them.  I may, in my anger say or think I do.  But, i dont.  I love them.  The conflict is all about difference of opinion.  The bible says to "love your neighbor as yourself."   What it doesnt say is to leave each other behind.

Friends, even if you disagree with with your brother or sister, stand beside them.  They need you...

this is the story

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John 1:1

The gospels tell the story of Jesus.  It is undeniably the greatest story ever told.  It is an inspirational story.  Not a documentary, or a tragedy, or a romance, or a comedy, or a lifetime original movie.  It is a story of faith and love.  Honor and glory.  I am not worthy of even being compared to Jesus.  But, He is who I aspire to be.

Shift your focus here for a minute and forgive me if I ramble.  I am tired and in for another sleepless night but these words tear me from the inside trying to get out.  Out to you to make you think.  To inspire.  To make you look inward.  To ask those tough questions to yourself.  The kind that hurt.

So, here's my question to you:  If a book were to be written about your life, would it be inspirational?  Would it make the New York Times Best Sellers List?
If a movie was made of your life, would people go see it?  Would you get rave reviews from the critics?  Or would people ask for their money back as they left the film?  Would they complain that they wasted their life watching your story?

Wanna hear the story of Scotty Northcutt?  Several have told me its inspirational.  A story of do's and dont's, faith, heartache, and love.  A story thats real.  A story with an unwritten ending.  A story that's Christ centered yet dark at times.  A story with no heroine, she hasnt been written in yet.  Few know this story of darkness and light.  But, if you ever want to know it, you wont read it here.  You will have to ask.  It's worth your time.

love God love people part 1

One of the scribes approached.  When he heard them debating and saw that Jesus answered them well, he asked Him, "Which command is the most important of all?"  This is the most important,"  Jesus answered:  Listen, Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  "The second is:  Love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other command greater than these."  Mark 12:28-31

If the bible could be summed up in 3 verses, this would be it.  No other verses in the whole bible speak to me on a more personal level than this.  You see friends, back in 2003, I hit rock bottom.  In a very short time I lost my wife, my kids, the dog, most all household possessions, all my money, my freedom, my pride, my dignity, and almost my will to live.
God kept speaking to me through this verse.  Enough so, that I tattooed it on my arm.  I believe that I had not put God first in my life.  There were other things I put first.  Namely my family.  Understand this my friends and listen closely.  God did not take away the marriage.  That is against His word.  However, God did allow me to be sifted as Peter was.  And as Job was.  I am a much stronger Christian because of that too.  Refined, molded, chiseled, a created warrior for Christ.
Friends, if you put ANYTHING before your relationship with God prepare for disaster.  Christ said this is the most important commandment for a reason.

We will address the love people next time.  To be continued...

assets and liabilities

And let us be concerned about one another to promote love and good works,  Hebrews 10:24

I recently filled out a balance sheet for my financial adviser.  It is a form that has a vertical line through the center.  On the left side are your assets.  These consist of money, property, and other valuables that you own.  On the right side are liabilities.  These are what and who you owe.  At the bottom of the sheet you add up all the lines in the asset column and write a total.  Then you add up all the liabilities and write a total.  Finally, you subtract the liabilities from the assets.  This magic number is you net worth.  Ideally, your assets should far outweigh your liabilities.

Lets talk about our spiritual balance sheet.  As I was doing the financial balance sheet, I couldn't help but correlate it with the Christian walk.  We as Christians are called to help one another down this road called life.  Make up a spiritual balance sheet for yourself.  If you are kind and giving, that's and asset.  If you are a complainer and rude, that's a liability.  Make yourself a balance sheet if you are brave enough.  Are you an asset to others?  Maybe your a liability?  Be careful if you're the latter... you may be wrote off!

This one's about me and David.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
    and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
    and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
    and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
    because my hope, Lord,[c] is in you.     -Psalm 25:16-21

If there is any character in the bible that I can relate to, its David.  David is a real man among men.  He's a warrior.  A sinner.  A lover.  A writer.  A man after God's own heart.  A leader.  Hated and loved.  Alone...He is alone.

He is alone when he is in a crowd.  He is alone when he is in the wilderness.  He is alone.  David cries out to God when he is alone.

Tonight, I showed my face in a crowd.  There were a lot of people there that I knew.  I spoke to several.  Lots of smiles and handshakes were given and received.  Some asked me where I've been.  One thought I moved away.  I was alone.  Alone in the crowd.

Friends, recent circumstances have carried me into the wilderness.  I have learned to rely on God more than ever.  He is my comforter and my strength.  Much like David, I have been let down by men.  The only earthly satisfaction to be found has been a few intimate conversations and visits with dear friends.  So, if you wondered where I've been... I've been here all along... Alone with God.

                                -Scotty Northcutt

Haters be h8tin

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  
-Romans 12:9

     There are several things in life that I hate.  Here's a list of a few things I hate in no certain order:  snakes, when people oppress others, spiders, dodge trucks, when people lie, the devil, ect...
     There are more things that I love:  a young couple in love, a rainbow over chinaman's hut in Oahu, a good romantic comedy, when my children say "daddy I love you," a walk through the woods on a brisk fall morning, when a sinner gives himself to Christ, ect...

I encourage you to make a list of things you love and hate.  Is it deep or shallow?  Check yourself before you wreck yourself... 

How deep is it?

Someone once said, “The Bible is like a pool.  Shallow enough that a little child can come and get a drink without fear of drowning, yet so deep scholars can swim in it and never touch bottom.”

I love this quote that Pastor Adrian Rogers used.  It says so much and says so little at the same time.  The reality is the truth behind it.  My children have no problem understanding that there is a God.  That He created the heavens and the earth.  That He sent His one and only son to die on a cross for all man's sin.  That He was resurrected on the third day and ascended to heaven.  It's so simple when you have just a little faith.                    
In contrast, it can be deep.  How deep?  Real deep.  There are many things in the bible that no one understands.

So lets apply this to our lives.  Your daily conversations say a lot about how "deep or shallow" you are.  We want to be deep but not drown.  Are your conversations typically about some score of some game, or the person that cut you off at the store, or what that one gal said about someone else?  That's quite shallow.  Or are your conversations deeper, about the meaning of scripture, blessings, praises, and the will of God?

 

Picking a fight in church.

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.  
1 Thessalonians 5:11

I recently attended a dinner at a local church.  I'm a new face and know very few people there.  As we were eating dinner there were a few men at my table that proceeded to slam one of the church staff.  They were negatively commenting on the staff member's way of doing things.  These men were introduced to me minutes before and were told that I was a new guest.  One of the men's wife picked up on my disgust for the comments.  She politely said to her husband that maybe they were "just two grumpy old men."  I (being the person that takes no lip from anyone) adamantly looked them both in the eyes with my intimidating stare and loudly said "your exactly right about that!)  One of the guys picked up on my anger real quick.  He got up and left and did not return.  The other sat oblivious to the things that just transpired.
Now, why would I tell you this?  Because, I hope your not "that guy."  The one that doesnt agree with every little thing a staff member does.  The one with verbal diarrhea that is condemning his pastoral staff in front of a new prospect. Staff work countless hours in an unappreciated role to make the church tick. I will stand up and fight for them. Am I right for picking a fight in church?  Or am I wrong for not calling the guys out and physically throwing them out of the temple like Jesus did?

where's your heart at?

20Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.  Matthew 6

In life there are patterns.  Some are very defined.  Some a subtle.  I was reconciling my checkbook today as i usually do each Monday.  There was a definite pattern.  I noted several consistincies in the the check register.  One in particular that made me smile.  God is good and God is faithful.  Are you being faithful to Him?  Connect the dots of the pattern of your treasure.  Then you will know where your heart is... 

BE ALERT

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Lions are interesting creatures.  Since we dont live in Africa here's a few quick facts:

1)      With some males exceeding 250 kg (550 lb) in weight,^[4] it is the second-largest living cat after the tiger.

2)     They sneak up to the victim until they reach a distance of approximately 30 metres (98 feet) or less.  The attack is short and powerful; they attempt to catch the victim with a fast rush and final leap.

3)  The prey usually is killed by strangulation,^[73] which can cause cerebral ischemia or asphyxia (which results in hypoxemic, or "general", hypoxia). The prey also may be killed by the lion enclosing the animal's mouth and nostrils in its jaws (which would also result in asphyxia).^[4]

4)     A lion may gorge itself and eat up to 30 kg (66 lb) in one sitting;^[83] if it is unable to consume all the kill it will rest for a few hours before consuming more.

So, now you know your enemy the lion.  How well do you know your enemy the devil?  Check out the bible to study your enemy.  Because, as we speak, he is stalking you.  And he may be within 30 meters of you...

got money$?

6 “I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.
“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
8 “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.
“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’
“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the LORD Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the LORD Almighty.-Malachi 3:6-12




All of my life God has blessed me.  Most of the time in ways I dont see or understand.  One thing I never understand is tithing.  But it doesnt have to. It just works.  The math never makes sense.  You dont have money, you pay money to God, and money flows to you from somewhere else.  It's more about faith than common sense.
Did you catch that line about robbing God?  For a visual, picture this:  Every time you dont tithe its just like stealing money out of you parents wallet.  Are you a thief?  Pay your tithe and He will "open the floodgates of heaven."